Tottenham still involved in title race says Harry Redknapp

19 March 2009 10:11

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Redknapp, whose side are not completely clear of relegation worries, despite a terrific 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last week, insists that facing the top four teams close to the end of the season is a benefit rather than a hindrance, with their minds on the challenges of Champions League football.

"Think about it,' says Redknapp, writing his column is the Sun newspaper

. 'We have to play Liverpool at Anfield on the last day of the season.

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'It might be the stuff of nightmares for fans but a look at my calendar and I see the Champions League final is three days later.

'Now, if Liverpool are involved in that then there is more than a fair bet Rafa Benitez is going to muck about with his team and throw in a few different names because he has one eye on the Champions League final.

'We have to go to Old Trafford next month and, luckily, the following week are the Champions League semi-finals.

'Who would bet against United being involved in those games? Not me.

'Alex Ferguson might not fancy risking his very best players to play Spurs when he is so close to such an important game.

'And if he has won his next three or four games before we go up there, what's his priority going to be?

'You will find teams messing around with their line-ups because of cups and Europe.'

First up for Tottenham is the visit of Chelsea to White Hart Lane, a match Redknapp feels will be tougher than either Liverpool or Manchester United because of the timing.

'[Chelsea] are coming into form just at the right moment,' said Redknapp. 'Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho returning now really is a great boost.

'Chelsea are the biggest challengers to United for the title. Liverpool have good fixtures and are also not out of it.

'Someone said to me the other day that Tottenham are going to have possibly the biggest single voice in the destiny of the Premier League championship this season.

'It's a bit much to claim we have a say in the title race, let's just say we are. involved.'